US anti-kidnapping expert kidnapped in Mexico

San Diego Union-Tribune (AP) ^ | 12/15/2008 | MARK STEVENSON (AP)

[South40]

MEXICO CITY — A U.S. anti-kidnapping expert was abducted by gunmen in northern Mexico last week, a sign of just how bold this nation's kidnapping gangs have become.

U.S. security consultant Felix Batista was in Saltillo in Coahuila state to offer advice on how to confront abductions for ransom when he himself was seized, local authorities said.

Unknown assailants grabbed him on Dec. 10, said Charlie LeBlanc, the president of the Houston, Texas-based security firm ASI Global LLC., where Batista is a consultant.

"We have notified the FBI and Mexican authorities, and they are working on the case," LeBlanc said Monday. "What we are doing is we're offering our support to the family and hoping for the best."

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City said it would not comment on the case, and LeBlanc declined to say whether a ransom demand had been received.

[ccmay]

Heck of an expert who can’t even watch his own back... I guess this would be the ultimate example of “do as I say, not as I do”...

A cynic might question whether or not it was staged-- to be followed by a cunning staged "escape" -- thus burnishing his credentials and spreading his fame. I have no proof of this or even any reason to think it is true. But it could happen, yeah.

-ccm

[Tainan]

The comments so far on this thread give strong indication that most people are fully prepared to address a situation in which they have absolutely no clue about.
ASI, and its employees, are professionals in their work. They have regularly, for quite a few years, put themselves in harms way while protecting principals and performing threat analysis in high risk areas. This type of occupation cannot, unfortunately, be performed while setting behind a desk.

http://www.asiglobalresponse.com/

I hope Mr. Batista is returned safely.

[marron]

This type of occupation cannot, unfortunately, be performed while setting behind a desk... I hope Mr. Batista is returned safely.

Me, too.

[Tammy8]

That is good advice- but they come up here and kidnap people so staying out of Mexico is no guarantee.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“...a sign of just how bold this nation’s kidnapping gangs have become...”

...and that U.S. security ‘consultant’ Felix Batista may not know what the hell he’s talking about?

Who pays the ransom when the guy that’s protecting you from ransom is ransomed? (My head hurts.)

[Ken H]

Rule#1: Don't go to an area where the probability of being kidnapped is high.

That is damn good advice, which this guy should have followed!

[TribalPrincess2U]

Mexico is another Iraq only closer to home. We are going to live to regret
letting this crap for not nipping it in the bud.

The world org. must see many benefits to be had.

[Ken H]

This reminds me of the animal experts we read about from time to time, who think they can deal with wild animals, but end up getting mauled. I think that happened to a "bear expert" a few years ago.

[mad puppy]

Replace ‘expert’ with ‘experienced’?

[ichabod1]

Terry Waite

[B4Ranch]

‘expert’ could be replaced by ‘experienced’ assuming he makes it home. Hoping he does.

[Right Wing Assault]

I wonder if he gets to keep the advance they gave him.

[Man50D]

I think that happened to a "bear expert" a few years ago.

It happened to Steve Irwin when he was fatally stung by a stingray.

[ican'tbelieveit]

The headline is completely misleading as usual. You are correct, he isn’t an expert at avoiding being kidnapped but at successful resolution.

Stupid media, as usual.

[ican'tbelieveit]

The comments so far on this thread give strong indication that most people are fully prepared to address a situation in which they have absolutely no clue about.

They are fully prepared to comment based on a headline from the MSM which we claim we don't trust. Read, people, read.

[Ken H]

It's a real shame what happened to him. Can't say I was surprised, though. Some of the stuff he did seemed downright reckless. Here's the bear story I was thinking of (from a 2003 FR thread):

Bear Expert and Companion Killed in Bear Attack at Alaska Park

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A self-taught bear expert who once called Alaska's brown bears harmless was one of two people fatally mauled in a bear attack in the Katmai National Park and Preserve.

-snip-

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Yep. And that crocodile hunter guy. Sometimes the career choices you make in life lead your down some scary paths.

For example, ‘Wall Street Banker’ these days, LOL!

[spectre]

Wonder how many wise cracks will come when this guy's head is delivered in a suit-case?

sw